"Lucky for you, attention to detail is one of my many specialties. Up," Scottie motions upward, "I'll look."
I move, thankful for the break.
Miller leads us to the sofa, and I sit with my head on his shoulder, processing all that's happening and hoping his part in this comes soon. It can go either way, the worst being that I lose my right to practice law.
"Give me your hand, Princess."
I do as he asks, sighing in relief when he gently rubs my injured finger.
"Have you heard anything about my house?"
"Cleaners are there. After today, my rates are going up."
"Why?"
"Because Annie is leading the charge, and Lynda is with her. They have Janie, Mom, Stephanie, and Darby all on a chat going from room to room for inspection. Dad and Pierce lasted about ten minutes. My landscape crew is afraid to ask to use the bathroom."
"Oh my. Maybe I should give them a bonus."
"Baby, I saw the floor to ceiling stack of wrapped gifts in my office for everyone. You may need to slow the spending for a while."
"It's Christmas, Miller! I enjoy giving gifts, and this year there's a whole new meaning to it all!"
His chin dips down and he stares at me warmly, "Yeah, I got that."
"It's special this year. New baby, new house, new families merging, it's a joyous occasion."
"It would be equally joyous without seventy-five gifts I've got to haul all over town."
"It's not seventy-five," I argue.
His eyebrows arch and I figure he's counted them.
"Fine, whatever."
"As long as my gift comes in a box with a designer tag," Scottie throws in, still proofing my notes.
"Oops," I tease, and his head pops up with an expression of horror.
"Why do I sink any faith in a woman who lets her Dior booties get soiled?"
"It was a beautiful sacrifice! Darby needed me."
"Stand back when body fluids are gushing," he rebukes. "Don't you know anything?"
"You make it sound disgusting."
Miller grunts, but it's not his usual grunt. It's loaded with something else. Then I realize Scottie has used his power of diversion again. He's moved my attention to something ridiculous.
I don't have time to comment when there's a knock at the door. Miller eases me up, kisses me quickly, and reaches for his suit jacket. Scottie does the same. I smooth my hands down my dress, fluff my hair, and put on my mask, answering the door.
My breath catches in my throat when I find Mr. Redmond and Mr. Reid waiting on the other side. Both men, older in age, are standing strong, dressed in power-suits, and looking grim.
"Miss Rhodes, may we speak with you?"
My mind spins with the surreal situation facing me. The three founding men never give personal visits. They request your presences in a conference room, they shake your hand at a function and don't remember your name, but they have no interest in stepping off their floor to interact.
But these men are standing in front of an office I left months ago, waiting for me to invite them in.
I snap to reality, stepping back and gesturing forward.
"Gentleman, how can I help you?" The right greeting would be 'Sir' or a touch of gushing. But instead, I walk to the middle of the room, purposely not going behind the desk.
"We learned you recently resigned your position."
"I'm not sure how recent. I left in September."
This gets a reaction, both men sharing an uncomfortable glance.
"Miss. Rhodes, regardless of what employees of this firm may believe, we are involved in the day-to-day operations. I review employment reports weekly, and not one of them has documented your exit," Mr. Reid informs me. "Your departure would have gotten my attention."
"I can't imagine why my leaving wasn't reported. I have not been getting compensated, so the resignation was relayed to payroll."
Mr. Redmond's expression turns stricken, his eyes filling with hurt. "Do you honestly think we care about the money? This is about losing you. Your talent and expertise are irreplaceable. We've been watching your career for years."
This information comes as a shock. Then a blast from a few weeks ago slams into me. Ian trying to keep my money, wanting to meet with Evin, the letter questioning my stability—all of it falls into place. "Ian didn't tell you?" I question.
"Ian? My nephew Ian?" Mr. Redmond replies.
"Yes, I withdrew my money a little while ago. He's known for over a month."
"No, he neglected to share."
"I guess that explains why he wasn't amenable to my transfer. He must have thought I was coming back."
"Fucking asshole." Miller doesn't hide his hatred.
"I wasn't aware you were familiar with me." I try to bring the focus on me and not that Miller insulted Mr. Redmond's family.
"We stepped back from the roles of practicing law, but this firm and its reputation carry our names. You hit our radar quickly."
"That's very flattering."
"You can imagine our shock and appall when we received the letters from your lawyer yesterday. Learning you left and the fact that you are bringing ethical complaints against your former peers has shaken us."
Miller showed me a copy of the letter Stephanie wrote on behalf as my lawyer. It was not the direction I would have taken with drastic and long-lasting consequences. But when she explained it was meant to get attention, I had to agree it was a good shot.
"I haven't decided that's the route to take," I reply.
"Regardless of how you proceed, it alerted us to the deficiencies and conspiracies happening under our noses. We're taking your situation seriously."
"That's all I can ask for."
"Redmond, Kersh, and Ried was created by three cocky and egotistical men in our thirties ready to conquer the legal world. Back then we were unbeatable. I will not stand here and lie to you, saying we didn't cross the line many times for the sake of the win, the money, and the notoriety. All of us did it. We are not boy scouts and never claimed to be upstanding citizens. Our growth and expansion brought many challenges, and we turned a blind-eye often." Mr. Reid pauses, casting a glance at his partner and over to Scottie and Miller before bringing his eyes back to me. "We skated the line of legal ethics more times than I can count. I tell you this because not once, in almost fifty years of practicing law and almost forty years since creating this firm, did any of the three of us strike a woman or solicit her out for sexual expectations."
My hand reflexively goes to my cheek, and my heart pounds in my ears. No one outside of the small circle knows about the tussle with Brock. Stephanie did not put it in her letter. The reference to the sexual expectations also isn't public knowledge, considering the scandal for the people involved.
"I would never sleep with someone to gain an advantage," I defend myself unnecessarily.
"Women have been using their sexuality as a weapon since the dawn of time. You, Miss Rhodes, are not a woman that uses that tactic to get ahead. Your intelligence, dedication, and commitment placed you on the fast track to success."
"Thank you, Mr. Redmond."
"My father taught me to spot a vixen at fourteen, explaining my lustful desires would ruin my life if I wasn't aware of the consequences. It seems not everyone in this building was taught that life lesson. Along with your situation, in the last two days, our infrastructure has imploded with revelations of adultery, improper relationships, ethical violations, and general chaos. We may be old men, but we're not completely obtuse. Telling our associates whom they can have a relationship with isn't our business. But it seems we are facing a public relations nightmare."
"I'm sorry to hear there are problems. Since leaving, I've had no contact with anyone in the firm until Mr. Donner a few days ago."
"We know. After your letters were personally delivered, we immediately began digging. You may have a ballbuster reputation, but you are well respected. Word of your return today brought mixed reactions, but most of
the chatter was positive. With that being said, we could use some solidarity and foundation in the face of chaos. Would you reconsider joining us back at Redmond, Kersh, and Reid with a promotion to Managing Associate or possibly Partner if you're ready?"
The weight of his offer sends a wave of shock scoring through me. There was a chance I'd be walking out of here today on my way to disbarment. This is so out of the blue I grow lightheaded.
"Ashlyn, take a deep breath." Miller's arm curls around my waist, pressing me to his side for support.
"Mr. Redmond—" My voice cracks, and I swallow to push down the emotions that are clawing up my throat. Miller's hand clutches my hip, and Scottie comes to my other side. The two men in front of me note the support, both their gazes lighting with understanding.
To my horror, tears well in my eyes, and I wipe them away before they can fall. "Mr. Redmond, Mr. Reid, I can't tell you how much it means that you'd look to me to bring foundation to this firm. From the day I interviewed, it was my life goal to be offered a partnership. However, leaving here took me back to my roots and I've had time to reflect on what matters more than the title of partner. My life, my family, and my future are no longer in Chicago."
"Perhaps when things calm down around here, we could revisit a remote or virtual opportunity."
"Perhaps," I answer, but we all know it's my polite way of declining all offers.
They nod, Mr. Redmond giving me a sad, yet supportive smile. "You gave us many exceptional years, Miss Rhodes."
"Ashlyn," I correct him. "Please, call me Ashlyn."
His smile turns kind. "Ashlyn, as I was saying, you gave us many exceptional years and put our firm in the spotlight frequently with your expertise. All calls to your clients this last day have brought nothing but praise. If you move forth with your ethics complaint against Brock Donner, we will do as we need to, but as of thirty minutes ago, he understands he's on shaky ground. He claims you two are engaged, but we knew this was his attempt to cover his discretions. He will not pose a problem for you anymore."
"I'm not bringing a formal complaint against him." I decide in that second. "I'm also not marrying him. He's an ass, but as of this moment, he's vapor."
My breath hitches, and I press my lips together at such a trendy reference.
"Nice," Scottie utters approvingly.
"Vapor sounds about right. He's on thin ice. It seems his ambitions took him down a path of little return."
"I made a grave mistake in judgment getting involved with Brock years ago. Hopefully, that doesn't tarnish your opinion of me."
"Never, Miss- ah, Ashlyn," he corrects. "We may be on a different floor, but we're not on a different planet. Your relationship had the base to make the most untouchable power couple in the city. Unfortunately, we only got the bits and pieces."
Miller goes stone still, a low rumble coming from him.
"We now know what was happening and you're completely off the market." Mr. Reid aims his comment to Miller.
"Has been for a while," Miller responds gruffly.
I place my hand on his chest, silently sending the message to chill out.
"Son, I met my wife as a lowly law clerk. She was a legal secretary for a big-wig lawyer who had his sights on her. I moved fast. Five kids, thirteen grandchildren later, she's the best thing in my life. I tell her every day. Still, at my age, I have spirit. I'm assuming you are responsible for Brock's jaw?"
At the term 'son', the mood in the room shifts to a lighter vibe. Miller fully embraces me to his side. "He hurt her, I wanted to kill him."
"Hah!" Mr. Redmond howls. "The Prada Princess scores her a bruiser."
Suddenly, the moniker Prada Princess becomes so much more. I want to dance around the room in my two-thousand-dollar designer dress and squeal in triumph. Instead, I lean my cheek into Miller's chest.
"He's bossy, rough around the edges, and overly possessive."
"Take my advice, lock her down now. Then prepare for a life of headaches in the best way," Mr. Redmond joins in.
"She's a headache already."
"Hey!" I poke Miller playfully. "You better watch it. I just received an offer to be a partner in a prestigious law firm in Chicago. Your headaches can go away."
There's a quick silence, then every man erupts.
"On that note, we will let you get home." Mr. Redmond reaches in his pocket and pulls out two business cards at the same time Mr. Reid passes me one. "Arthur Kersh couldn't join us because he's putting out fires, but you will always have glowing references from us. Don't hesitate to use them. And if you choose to discuss our offer of virtual employment, it would be automatic approval."
I glance at the three business cards, scribbled with each man's personal email address and phone number. My throat clogs again because this is huge.
"Thank you. All those years here, and I lived under the impression you three men were unapproachable. Tremendous mistake on my behalf," I whisper, trying to compose myself, then think of something that needs addressing before they leave. I break away from Miller and swing open my door.
"Can someone please have Lena come to my office now?"
Bodies scramble, and Lena appears at the door of a tiny office a few doors down. She comes toward me reluctantly, her hatred still fuming. When she walks in and spots the two founders, her body tenses and she goes white.
"Gentleman, I spent the morning going through files Lena has prepared. She did an excellent job, captured key points, and shows potential to seal this merger. My notes are yours to do what you want, but this woman gave her all to the case, and it shows."
Scottie moves to my computer, printing the notes, and brings them back to me. I hand them immediately to her. "You can take my recommendations or not, but it's all there."
Her hands tremble as she looks them over. "Thank you, Ashlyn."
"Do you have a business card?" I ask Miller.
He takes out his wallet, eyeing me weirdly as he hands one over. I go to my desk, blackout his personal information, and scribble my number and email.
"Lena, you need me, here's my contact information." I wink, knowing she already has the number. "You have questions, you call me. Your work on this project has platinum player potential."
Her breath hitches and she dips her head, knowing I have given her the largest recommendation of her time here. "I'll call."
She leaves quickly, barely glancing at the partners.
The room is quiet for a second before Mr. Redmond speaks. " We're losing you to Charleston, huh?"
"Yes," I answer on a wistful sigh.
"My wife's been nagging me to go on a vacation. Mentioned a new resort down there, something about class, culture, and chocolate? You know anything about that?" Mr. Reid puts the question out there.
I rock back, looking at Scottie and Miller, and lean to the side cackling. "Yes, I know something about that! Two of the masterminds are standing right here!" I snort, slapping my hand to my face.
"You ever visit, look us up. We'll introduce you to the chocolatier," Miller adds.
Both men's eyes light up and they give a small chuckle, stepping in to formally introduce themselves.
I stand back, thinking my last memory in this place took a whole new turn.
Chapter 25
Miller
"We'll be home tomorrow afternoon. She'll want to come straight to her house."
"It's a showplace, brother, be ready," Pierce tells me something I already know.
"I left it completely done, except for the cleaning."
"Yes, but this shit shines and sparkles. I think Darby got jealous. She mentioned that damn closet three times."
"So, build her one."
"I'll get right on that. This time I'll have stairs to reach the fucking top shelves."
I chuckle, remembering him walking in to find Darby on a stepstool at six-months pregnant. "We'll call when we get into town. Thanks for everything."
"Miller, we're all fucking happy this worked out like it did. Da
d, Edward, Evin, me, and Cole are ready to help put up the decorations as soon as she sees it."
"Appreciate that."
"Later, man." He disconnects and I stare out onto the Rhodes’ property, taking in the extravagant and opulent outdoor landscape. Ashlyn didn't exactly describe her Dad's business in detail. He's a fucking giant in the pool and outdoor design industry.
"Good call bringing her here." Dozer joins me, poking the fire pit to move the logs around.
"I figured she needed her family, and this was better discussed in person or waiting until y'all come to Charleston in a week."
"You feel confidant they are done with her?"
"Not at all, those old men are swooning over her. She'll hear from them again at some point, but it will all be complementary. Which is what she deserves. Scottie and I agree that their intentions were in the right place. Outside of supporting Ashlyn, there was another reason I was there. If they thought they'd walk in and steamroll, I was ready to tell them to fuck themselves."
"It sounds like my girl already had the bitch part handled."
"Not anymore, I wore her down."
"Did she really give him the ring back?"
"Put it in an envelope and left it with Brock’s secretary. I'm not gonna lie, I'd like to have seen his reaction to her throwing it at him. But she wanted no more drama. It was her call."
"Yeah, she's lived with enough drama because of that asshole."
I follow his gaze back to the windows that cover the back of his house and see Ashlyn and Janie wrapping presents. The Rhodes may plan to be in Charleston for Christmas, but it didn't stop Janie from decorating top to bottom. It's easy to understand where Ashlyn got her inspiration.
"I think you already got the hint I'm marrying her, Grant." I address him by his first name to emphasize my point. "But it's important to relay that I adore her. Going into that law firm gave me a view of how she was to these people. She will never be lost again."
He clears his throat, and fuck me if his eyes don't go misty. "Is that your way of asking my permission?"
"Take it as you want."
He tips his chin. "You got my guesthouse in progress yet?"
Miller's Time (Southern Charmers Series Book 2) Page 28